The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, is set to host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from 22nd to 28th March 2025, under the International Youth Exchange Program (IYEP).
Under this program, exchange of Youth Delegations with friendly countries is taken up on reciprocal basis for promoting exchange of ideas, values and culture among the youth of different countries and also to develop international understanding.
This initiative aims to promote youth collaboration, cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the Central Asian nations – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
This program follows the vision set forth during the India-Central Asia Summit held in January 2022, where the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India proposed an annual youth exchange initiative to enhance mutual understanding among young leaders from the region.
The 100-member delegation will engage in diverse activities, exploring India’s historical, educational, and cultural landmarks while interacting with local youth leaders and key stakeholders.
Key Highlights of the Visit
Cultural and Heritage Immersion: Visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Goa’s heritage sites to experience India’s architectural and historical legacy.
Academic and Economic Engagement: Interaction with students and faculty at IIT Delhi and visits to Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)/ Goa Institute of Management to explore India’s advancements in technology, research, and entrepreneurship.
Youth Networking & Volunteerism: Engagement with MY Bharat volunteers to discuss youth empowerment, leadership, and innovation.
High-Level Diplomatic Interactions: Call-on with the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and Hon’ble Governor of Goa is scheduled to be organized, emphasizing the importance of youth diplomacy.
Cultural Exchange & Gala Dinner: A roundtable and gala dinner will be organized in the honor of the delegation wherein the delegates will exchange their best practices to engage with youth in their nations.
The visit will serve as a catalyst for future collaborations, promoting cross-cultural understanding, leadership development, and international cooperation in key sectors.
This youth exchange program reinforces India’s commitment to regional peace, friendship, and economic partnerships with Central Asia, ensuring that the bonds of goodwill continue to flourish.
The 11 countries in Central Asia are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, China, Mongolia, and Russia. Each of these countries has its own unique culture, history, and attractions, making Central Asia a fascinating and diverse region to explore.
Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked, mountainous country bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and the People’s Republic of China. Kyrgyzstan has a history spanning over 2,000 years. It is best known for its stunning mountain ranges, with over 90% of the country being covered by mountains. Some of the most famous mountain ranges in Kyrgyzstan include the Tien Shan, Pamir, and Alai Mountains. These towering peaks offer breathtaking views and opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and skiing.
Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the ninth largest in the world. Between its most distant points, Kazakhstan measures about 1,820 miles. A cultural melting pot of 131 ethnicities, home to stunning nature, including the famed Altai mountains and Kazakh steppe, as well as the Golden Man, the country’s Tutankhamun, Kazakhstan offers the ultimate adventure.
Tajikistan is surrounded by Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. It was part of the former Soviet Union. It declared independence from the union on September 9, 1991. The name means “Land of the Tajiks. It encompasses the smallest amount of land among the five Central Asian states, but in terms of elevation it surpasses them all, enclosing more and higher mountains than any other country in the region.
Turkmenistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, east and northeast, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest and the Caspian Sea to the west. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city. It is one of the six independent Turkic states. With a population over 7 million, Turkmenistan is the 35th most-populous country in Asia and has the lowest population of the Central Asian republics while being one of the most sparsely populated nations on the Asian continent. Turkmenistan has long served as a thoroughfare for several empires and cultures.
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. The country was formerly part of the Soviet Union. It became an independent country in December 1991. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the west and north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south.
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Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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